Embedding dental hygienists directly into primary care medical teams to expand oral health access for underserved patients.

This unique model began at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and expanded to other Medical Team settings. It deploys Dental Hygienists (DHs) directly into primary care medical teams to expand oral healthcare access. [1, 2, 3]

The Unique RDH-FQHC Integration Model

Traditionally, medical and dental care have existed in separate silos, forcing low-income and uninsured patients to navigate multiple barriers to see a dentist. This highly integrated model breaks these silos by directly embedding dental hygienists into the primary care medical environment. [1, 2]

• Leveraging Medical Visits: Because children see a pediatrician for numerous well-child medical visits in their first few years of life, this model utilizes those appointments to deliver preventive oral care. [1]
• Full-Scope Care: Embedded DHs perform a comprehensive suite of preventive services alongside the medical team during regular medical visits and prenatal checkups. These include caries risk assessments, oral health education, fluoride varnish applications, and coordinated dental referrals for ongoing preventive and restorative dental care. [1]
• Team Synergy: Medical doctors and dental hygienists share workspaces, electronic health records, and treatment workflows, allowing for seamless communication and holistic patient care. [1]

Key Accomplishments & Impact

Dr. Braun’s extensive research and implementation initiatives have tangibly improved oral health outcomes for tens of thousands of underserved patients in the United States. [1]

• Rocky Mountain Network for Oral Health Integration: Serving as project director, Dr. Braun led this HRSA-funded initiative to train medical providers and embed dental hygienists in FQHCs across Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. In its first 2.5 years, the initiative applied over 17,000 fluoride varnishes and dramatically increased the percentage of children (age 3 and under) receiving preventive oral care at pediatric visits from 33% to 78%. [1, 2, 3]
• Evaluating the CO-MDI Project: She implemented and led the evaluation for the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation’s Medical-Dental Integration program, highlighting how integrated DHs substantiallylowered rates of untreated decay in established FQHC patients. [1, 2]
• Extensive Service and Leadership: Dr. Braun is the past chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section of Oral Health Executive Committee and has authored numerous peer-reviewed studies detailing how medical teams can successfully deliver full-scope dental hygiene care. [1, 2]

You can learn more about Dr. Braun’s research focus and scholarly contributions at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. [1]